DVD
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While Sherlock relies on plot pyrotechnics
and sleight of hand, the American version
has a greater focus on storytelling and
drama. Sadly, that’s where this season of
Elementary falls down a little. Second series
– particularly those as wonderfully formulaic
as this – tend to be caught between drama’s
need for character conflict and the viewer’s
resistance to sweeping format changes.
Here, the writers insert a wedge between
Holmes and Watson in the form of Holmes’
brother, Mycroft (Rhys Ifans). Ifans is a
welcome addition to the cast, but there’s a
sense the writers aren’t too sure what to do
with him. Similarly, attempts to divide the
starring pair feel at once overworked and
halfhearted. We all know Watson isn’t going
anywhere, no matter how the writers sorta-
kindatrulyruly try to convince us otherwise.
Which is just as well, because Jonny Lee
Miller and Lucy Liu
remain a winning
take on the detecting
duo. Although the
casting does seem
a little back-to-front:
Liu would surely
excel as a cerebral,
drug-addled, sex
addict Holmes.
MYLE BARTLETT
At first glance, E xtant looks like a frontrunner in any discussion of the
Golden Age of TV, if only by virtue of the talent involved in this science-
fiction/mystery series: anything that could lure Steven Spielberg and
Halle Berry to the small screen must be a cut above. But while Extant
has top-shelf production values and a thought-provoking central
storyline that branches off in some intriguing directions, it doesn’t
quite have the style or ingenuity to distinguish itself further. Still,
there’s something compelling about the story of astronaut Molly
Woods (Berry) returning to Earth after 13 months alone in orbit and
discovering she’s pregnant. This is the first in a string of strange events
linking human emotions, a robot child, high-tech developments and the
possibility of extraterrestrial life. Rather than delving deeply into the questions it poses, though,
Extant prefers to follow the traditional TV path of keeping the story moving forward, which
makes it worthwhile for anyone looking for their next big binge-watch. GUY DAVIS
WHEN CARTOONY, FILM noir pastiche Sin City: A Dame
to Kill For hit cinema screens late last year, it’s safe to say
it was not critically acclaimed. A lot of the criticism said it
had missed the boat, coming as it did nine years after the
success of the original Sin City. Partly that was because
what seemed like cutting-edge visual effects in 2005 (the
Sin City movies are shot in stylised black and white to
replicate the visuals of the Frank Miller comics they’re
based on) now seem somewhat quaint; partly because the
first Sin City sparked a now long-dead trend for films that
used a similar visual style, such as Max Payne and The
Spirit. And yet, considering how brief a part the cinema
run now plays in the life of a film, dismissing a film
because it feels dated seems an odd criticism in 2015. Even
now there are people who are only just discovering the
first Sin City film on DVD; with A Dame to Kill For just out
on disc, the gap between the two might only be a matter
of weeks for them. And what about people who never saw
the first Sin City and end up watching it after they see the
EXTANT: SEASON 1
*** 1/2
ANTHONY MORRIS > DVD Editor
sequel? A Dame to Kill For is basically more of the same as
the first film. Watched back-to-back, it’s hard to pick much
of a difference between the two. Nine years might have
passed on the big screen, but at home it’s barely the blink
of an eye.
BANSHEE: SEASON 2
****
After the insanely over-the-top shootout that ended the first season,
it’s a surprise there’s anything left standing in Banshee County. But this
season begins with the status quo barely touched: a professional criminal
(Antony Starr) is still somehow passing himself off as town sheriff Lucas
Hood; Amish crime boss Kai Proctor (Ulrich Thomsen) is still feuding with
the local Indian casino; and everyone else in town seems only mildly
phased by the massive level of violent crime and sexy hijinks taking place
– until the son of the real Lucas Hood shows up. ‘Lurid’ is too mild a word
for this massively entertaining crime series. The violence is bloody and the sex rivals Game
of Thrones. But while Banshee is aware it’s trashy, it never acts like that’s an excuse to short-
change the audience. The characters are clichés, but they’re entertaining ones enlivened by
quality performances (Thomsen is rapidly becoming a notable villain), while the storylines are
fast, smart and satisfyingly pulpy. It’s no classic, but it’s loads of fun. ANTHONY MORRIS
ELEMENTARY: SEASON 2
*** 1/2
JOSH BROLIN IN SIN CITY